Police need to do more to protect citizens

Chamber president:

MAJOR CONCERN: President of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Lily Herai greets Tourism Minister Gerald Hadeed during yesterday’s launch of the Sugar to Energy Festival 2014 at the Chamber’s Administrative Building and Conference Hall,
Campden, Couva. At right is Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh. —Photo: TREVOR WATSON

Mark Fraser

PRESIDENT of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Lily Herai says people are living in fear, and the police need to do more to secure citizens.

She said one way to combat the scourge of crime was through social programmes similar to the renamed Sugar to Energy Festival launched yesterday.

Speaking at the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber’s headquarters in Couva, Herai said the festival, which was changed from the name Sugar and Energy Festival, was the only event in the country that encompasses sports, culture, education, business and tourism.

The State has given $500,000 in funding for the festival.

Tourism Minister Gerald Hadeed and Member of Parliament for Couva South Rudy Indarsingh, attended the launch.

Herai said: “Crime continues to be a major concern, problem and drawback for our country. We all continue to live our lives in fear for our children and ourselves, not only on the streets but in our schools and our homes. We are not only targeted as business owners but because of our profession as we today mourn the loss of one of our country’s prominent attorneys Dana Seetahal (who was murdered last Sunday). As a chamber, we continue to advocate for a pro-active approach in the fight against crime and call for more security and protective measures,” she said.

“We believe that our country needs more social programmes and events as this three-day social event which includes a Children’s Day, a Queens Show, Festival of Drums, Street Parade, Cultural Performances, Sporting Events and a Business Exhibition,” Herai said.